If you are looking for the easiest product to take in and out of the flue, the Chimella is the best option. The Chimella’s spring loaded extending handle is 24″ long, so it could deploy right into the flue tile opening. This particular Flue tile was 18″x11″, so we used a Large Chimella (image 31-5) since it is over 16″x16″ in one dimension.

Here are the Steps:

• You will need a folding carpenters ruler folded into an L shape, or a builders T square to measure the flue tile (image 31-3).
• The Chimella sizes to fit when opened in the flue, so you don’t have to be exact with your measurements.
• It is better to have a Chimella that is too large, than one that it too small in this application.
• If the hole you are putting the Chimella in is less than 16″x16″ in width and length then use the Standard Size Chimella.
• If it is bigger than 16″x16″, but less than 19″x25″, then use the Large Chimella.
• It is important to open a Chimella properly when installing, so it gets a tight fit.  Here is a Video to see how the Chimella works. Pay close attention the the part of the video about tightening the collar with the purple dot on it.

If you don’t use your fireplace very much, and you just want a way to plug the flue tightly for a long duration, then go with a Flueblocker. It seals and insulates very well.

Here are the steps to Install a Flueblocker into the flue tile:

• You will need a folding carpenters ruler folded into an L shape, or a builders T square to measure the flue tile (image 31-3).
• The Flueblocker wool pad can be cut down to fit, so you can buy one that is slightly large for the application.
• It is better to have a Flueblocker that is too large, than one that it too small in this application.
• This application has a 11″x18″ flue tile. So we used a 11×19 Flueblocker (actual dims are 12″x20″)
• The Flueblocker comes with a 12″ handle, so we added two 6″ handle extenders.

The Chimney Balloon can work well in this application. It generally installs just above the damper frame at the bottom of the smoke shelf (image 31-7) . It gives you a very tight seal, however it is an inflatable. So it is not as durable as the other options. And it requires a top-off on air every 6 to 12 months because of the swings in outside air temperature.

Here are the steps to use a Chimney Balloon:

• Open the damper as far as you can.
• With a folding carpenters ruler or tape measure, get the length and width of the smoke chamber area just above the damper frame (image 31-4).
• Buy a Chimney Balloon that is a little large for the application. For example, If you measure 33″L x 13″ W, buy a 36×15 Chimney Balloon.
• Lay the Chimney Balloon flat, then fold it in half length-wise (Like a big soft shell taco) away from the handle valve. This will allow you to easily tuck the deflated Chimney Balloon through the damper opening.
• When the deflated Chimney Balloon is setting on top of the damper frame, start blowing air into it. The damper frame will hold up the balloon as you inflate, and the belly of the balloon will be pressed against the damper frame. The handle valve will be sitcking out of the damper frame opening. (image 31-7)
• Once the Chimney Balloon starts grabbing the sides of the chimney wall, do not reposition the balloon. The material has a grabbing property on its outer layer. Moving it while it is grabbing will risk a puncture.
• Once it is installed you close the valve on the handle. You can then remove the inflation tube if you want to, or you can leave it hang down as a reminder.